Functional Testing
There are a number of tests available to help ascertain the root cause of a health condition.
Not all of these tests are available to the general public via your GP. Nutritional Therapists and Functional Medicine practitioners can obtain these tests on your behalf, and help to interpret the results, putting them into context with your health.
Below are some examples of tests I use often in my clinic. By no means is this an exhaustive list.
Stool testing
Stool testing analyzes samples to detect problems with digestion, absorption, inflammation, and even infection. These tests look at: how well you’re digesting and absorbing your proteins, fats, and carbohydrates; levels of gut-driven inflammation; the health of your gut microbiome; bacterial infections; yeast overgrowth; parasites; hidden blood. Tests are done in the comfort of your own home.
Nutrigenomics testing
I am a Lifecode Gx certified nutrigenomics practitioner. Nutrigenomics examines the interaction between nutrition and genes. It focuses on how individual genetic variations affect a person’s response to nutrients and how nutrients affect gene expression. Essentially, nutrigenomics seeks to understand how diet influences the body at a molecular level and how this knowledge can be used to optimise health, prevent diseases, and personalize nutrition recommendations based on an individual’s genetic makeup. Testing can be done with a simple mouth swab.
Blood tests
Whenever possible, I try to obtain blood tests from the GP. In cases where we need more information I have access to a number of private blood labs. Sometimes blood tests can taken from a simple pin prick, and sometimes you will need to get a blood draw. In the latter case, I will help find you a local phlebotomist.
Hormones
Thyroid hormones, sex hormones, stress hormones can be tested to help ensure you’re functioning optimally.
Minerals and Toxins
A simple hair analysis test can look at your body’s mineral status and toxin/heavy metal exposure. Symptoms of mineral deficiencies include: Regular digestive issues like constipation, headaches and migraine, slow metabolism causing weight gain, appetite loss and stomach pain, over or under active thyroid, feeling bloated, feeling tired, muscle cramping, inability to lose weight, hair loss.
Food Intolerance and Allergy
Only the highest level of testing methods from reputable labs is used to detect food allergy and intolerance.
Autoimmune Disease Screening
Intestinal Permeability
Nutrient Levels and Essential Fatty Acids
And so many more…
If you are interested in doing functional tests to get to the root cause of your condition, book a discovery call with me to discuss.